JWs sue Norwegian government

[George88]

9 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Personal responsibility is not in question here. But rank and file members do not generate theology. Religious leaders (GB) are the creators of doctrines and they are the ones who change these doctrines and introduce the direction of how the members will worship God and what practices they will apply. So, we know who bears the greatest responsibility, that is, the blame for the downfall of the "herd".

With this conviction, you and your doppelgänger, JWinsider, seem to accuse Christ and God of being responsible for the establishment of Christian doctrine. The Watchtower, however, rightly upholds its doctrine as an essential foundation for any Christian sect dedicated to correctly serving God.

Do you suggest that Jesus did not leave clear instructions on how the worship of God should be carried out, and how the leaders left behind should care for God's flock according to His inspired words? What leads you to consistently belittle the Bible by assuming you are superior to Christ and God when you are not even better than those who faithfully serve God?

 

[Srecko Sostar]

Article from Baptist Standard

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses sue Norway after registration revoked

JANUARY 18, 2024

 

https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/world/jehovahs-witnesses-sue-norway-after-registration-revoked/

quote from article:

Clarifying stance on disfellowship

In an email to RNS, Jehovah’s Witnesses spokesperson Jarrod Lopes said Witnesses only disfellowship an unrepentant member who “makes a practice” of serious violations of “the Bible’s moral code.”

Even then, Lopes added, Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t force members to limit or cease association with former congregants, whether they’ve been disfellowshipped or withdrawn voluntarily—that’s up to individuals.

“Congregation elders do not police the personal lives of congregants, nor do they exercise control over the faith of individual Jehovah’s Witnesses,” Lopes wrote.

----------------------------

The behavior of the official representatives of JWs is more and more riddled with deceptions with which they lie to the public and to the courts. Obviously, the time will come for "clarification" within the congregations as well, like these "clarifications" for these poor "godless people" who live "without God" in this "satanic" world.

[George88]

22 minutes ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Article from Baptist Standard

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses sue Norway after registration revoked

JANUARY 18, 2024

Why do you continue to highlight the unfortunate situation of the Watchtower Srecko, which the UN is well aware of as if it were a negative aspect? Bringing attention to the hypocrisy of the government by exposing its violations of laws not only holds them accountable but also serves to benefit the Watchtower.

 

27 minutes ago, Srecko Sostar said:

In an email to RNS, Jehovah’s Witnesses spokesperson Jarrod Lopes said Witnesses only disfellowship an unrepentant member who “makes a practice” of serious violations of “the Bible’s moral code.”

Even then, Lopes added, Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t force members to limit or cease association with former congregants, whether they’ve been disfellowshipped or withdrawn voluntarily—that’s up to individuals.

“Congregation elders do not police the personal lives of congregants, nor do they exercise control over the faith of individual Jehovah’s Witnesses,” Lopes wrote.

Does it make sense for followers of Christ to adhere to scripture or to follow someone who opposes God?

30 minutes ago, Srecko Sostar said:

The behavior of the official representatives of JWs is more and more riddled with deceptions with which they lie to the public and to the courts. Obviously, the time will come for "clarification" within the congregations as well, like these "clarifications" for these poor "godless people" who live "without God" in this "satanic" world.

I firmly believe that former members of the religious group are aiding Satan in corrupting the world with their misguided beliefs.

[Srecko Sostar]

Avoidance and ostracism (shunning) of former family members is a mandatory rule in WTJWorg. The same rule must be applied to all other former JW members.

quotes:

"Despite our pain of heart, we must avoid normal contact with a disfellowshipped family member by telephone, text messages, letters, e-mails, or social media."

- https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-october-2017/truth-brings-not-peace-but-sword/

 

"If, however, a baptized Witness makes a practice of breaking the Bible’s moral code and does not repent, he or she will be shunned or disfellowshipped."

-  https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/shunning/

 

 

[George88]

1 hour ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Avoidance and ostracism (shunning) of former family members is a mandatory rule in WTJWorg. The same rule must be applied to all other former JW members.

Srecko, do you have an article about the situation where individuals who have distanced themselves or been disfellowshipped on biblical grounds reject their families because they are still Jehovah’s Witnesses, similar to the case of the gay person on the other apostate site who expresses clear animosity towards his mother? I'm curious if you have a thoughtful piece on this matter that delves into the complexities involved.

Do you want countless faithful followers of Christ to risk losing their souls by listening to the words of those who once led ancient Israel astray, leading them to worship Baal and face condemnation?

How many other members of the closed club share your mindset?

1 hour ago, Srecko Sostar said:

"If, however, a baptized Witness makes a practice of breaking the Bible’s moral code and does not repent, he or she will be shunned or disfellowshipped."

Srecko, do you have friends who are pedophiles? Have you welcomed someone who murdered one of your relatives into your home? I bet you'd be willing to welcome a drug addict who just needs money to get high to live with you. What are your thoughts on having a gay friend who could positively impact the children in the household? I tell you, you would be one heck of a role model.

[Srecko Sostar]

@George88 Let's not equate "distancing" from WTJWorg and its doctrines and practices with circumstances that lead to the creation of a different dynamic in mutual relations with people with whom we were previously "hung out" as members of the JWs community.
There will be various and varied reactions. Some will completely reject the possibility of contact with ex-JW, others will at least be polite and say hello on the road, and some will sometimes want to talk about anything.
Some ex-JWs really miss contact with family or friends who have remained JWs. Some other ex-JWs are bothered by the lack of culture when they happen to meet former "brothers". For some it ceases to matter and they can deal with "fanatical JWs", who consistently adhere to the WTJWorg's institutional instructions to completely cut off relations with ex-JWs, without much trouble.

Jesus had no problem communicating with all kinds of people, from little children to decent people to hardened lawbreakers. We, ordinary people, generally cannot imitate that way of dealing with other people. And we are not even obligated, because we have the free will to choose who we want or don't want to deal with.
I respect that "choice". What I don't want to appreciate and respect is the "hate by GB decree" that imposes "shunning".

 

 

[George88]

3 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Let's not equate "distancing" from WTJWorg and its doctrines and practices with circumstances that lead to the creation of a different dynamic in mutual relations with people with whom we were previously "hung out" as members of the JWs community.

Absolutely. When facing a situation that can be countered by the opposing party, it holds no significance. Admit that you lack a valid counterargument to the nonsensical narrative you are advocating.  It's about viewing things through the lens of reality.

3 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Some will completely reject the possibility of contact with ex-JW, others will at least be polite and say hello on the road, and some will sometimes want to talk about anything.

What are the consequences of being ostracized despite being JW by others? It is crucial to substantiate your argument, a task you have neglected for quite some time.

You seem to base your actions on your perception of societal norms, rather than truly understanding human behavior. It appears that you and others in your circle struggle to grasp the concept of "imperfection." I'm not talking just about the Watchtower, but everyone in general.

3 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Jesus had no problem communicating with all kinds of people, from little children to decent people to hardened lawbreakers. We, ordinary people, generally cannot imitate that way of dealing with other people.

Jesus recognized the importance of preserving God's teachings for future generations. Just as the first Christians looked to Jesus's example, those to come would depend on the written word to guide their faith. Certainly, he engaged in conversations with numerous individuals to impart teachings, much like the approach of JWs when spreading their beliefs. Moreover, Jesus vehemently denounced the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and anyone who defied God's commands. Jesus is not the appropriate example for you to use when expressing your confusion.

4 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

I respect that "choice". What I don't want to appreciate and respect is the "hate by GB decree" that imposes "shunning".

So, in essence, you despise God for imposing a condition of repentance and for anyone who shares your perspective. Do you truly think that God would welcome rebellion? 

[Srecko Sostar]

9 hours ago, George88 said:

 It's about viewing things through the lens of reality.

1. A fictional, actually false reality that is presented to "Caesar"

Even then, Lopes added, Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t force members to limit or cease association with former congregants, whether they’ve been disfellowshipped or withdrawn voluntarily—that’s up to individuals. - https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/world/jehovahs-witnesses-sue-norway-after-registration-revoked/

 

2. Reality and practice inside JWs congregations

 

"Despite our pain of heart, we must avoid normal contact with a disfellowshipped family member by telephone, text messages, letters, e-mails, or social media."

- https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-october-2017/truth-brings-not-peace-but-sword/

 

"If, however, a baptized Witness makes a practice of breaking the Bible’s moral code and does not repent, he or she will be shunned or disfellowshipped."

-  https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/shunning/

 

[Srecko Sostar]

 

[Srecko Sostar]

2 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Even then, Lopes added, Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t force members to limit or cease association with former congregants, whether they’ve been disfellowshipped or withdrawn voluntarily—that’s up to individuals. - https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/world/jehovahs-witnesses-sue-norway-after-registration-revoked/

Real instructions found in WTJWorg publications:

 

Regarding everyone who “does not remain in the teaching of the Christ,” we read: “Do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For the one who says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.” (2 John 9-11) We do not have spiritual or social fellowship with disfellowshipped ones. The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, page 25, stated: “A simple ‘Hello’ to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?”

Is strict avoidance really necessary?  Yes, for several reasons.

- https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/gods-love/disfellowshipped-person/

 

Conclusion is these: JW force members to limit and cease association with former members. In other words, WTJWorg representatives (members and non-members) tell untruths aka lies.

 

[George88]

9 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

1. A fictional, actually false reality that is presented to "Caesar"

However, you persist in evading the issue when a former witness rejects their family members. How individuals choose to follow Bible principles is a command from God, not the Watchtower. The Watchtower encourages its members to adhere to these principles, which is distinct from your baseless claim of "coercing" compliance.

9 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

"If, however, a baptized Witness makes a practice of breaking the Bible’s moral code and does not repent, he or she will be shunned or disfellowshipped."

Fore Warning:

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 New International Version
14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

Action:

1 Corinthians 5:11 NIV
But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

You have repeatedly attempted to undermine scripture, but your efforts have fallen short. You and your fellow critics have merely resorted to thinly veiled interpretations, lacking substantial evidence to discredit the Bible's claims.

 

[George88]

Does Jerome's opinion really matter to God?